P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has undertaken studies into the reduction of energy needs and the reduction in carbon if Irish summer time was linked to central European time rather than British summer time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37360/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Neither my Department nor Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has undertaken any such study to date.

The timing of summertime daylight hours (which has impacts over and above energy needs) is one of very many factors influencing energy usage among consumers and it is the case that daylight savings have both positive and negative impacts on energy usage. SEI is engaged in ongoing general research on the many factors that influence consumer energy behaviour. The resultant information is used in the design of SEI programmes and campaigns such as Power of One, to advise on and encourage more efficient use of energy that both saves money for consumers and reduces carbon emissions.